The Imperial District's Bar

[Emperor Tekagi]

Kōkyo, Imperial district, New Tokyo

Gen Nagao, a decades old family run bar lays in the middle of the Imperial district on New Tokyo. Whilst small and cramped, it sees a huge visitor count every day thanks to its proximity to the Imperial Diet's structures being across the street. In a place like this, security is tight on the streets but less so within Gen Nagao. The bar has long been infamous as spot where the top brass of politicians and Keiretsu representatives alike meet after workhours. While the exterior left little doubt at the traditional values and history of the bar interior was more modern.

A special guest today was Ryuu Majima, Oyabun of the Majima Family to those knowing him, Minister of Industry and Economy in public. Whilst most tables were occupied, the table Majima was seated at was empty except for him. He was smoking a cigar, despite signs around that smoking is not tolerated. Nobody seemed to mind or attempt to tell him to cease smoking.

Little did he know that he would meet a face tied to another powerful entity within Kusari today.

[Kagena Kumo]

Stepping into the bar, Kagena looked around for her target. She had been meaning to find the secret court. The bar was far from her expectations, but that was not difficult to do. For now, she was more interested in finding the person she had suspected would be here.

Sure enough, he was the one disrespecting the rules. She headed to his table and invited herself to sit at his table. She gave Majima a once over. She made no attempt to bow, a calculated risk.

[Emperor Tekagi]

Gen Nagao, Imperial District

Majima expected anyone but not a rebellious teenager to disturb him. He sighed quietly and waved for the waiter, his view gazing around the bar for a few moments before he turned towards the young woman. He was certain that he saw her face before but it was beyond him why and where.

"Hmh. A bit young, aren't we?" He just said calmly, putting out his cigar. Both his hands were on the table now as he gave her a frowning view.

[Kagena Kumo]

"And yet, my presence is what it took to convince you to respect your host. Perhaps I should charge for this ability?" She offered a smile of intrigue. "Or, should I be escorting you to remind you that you serve the people through the emperor?"

[Emperor Tekagi]

Gen Nagao, Imperial District

'Truly noisy', he thought to himself and then he realized. There was just one brat like this strolling around the Imperial District, openly running their mouth even in front of Ministers: Shimamori's daughter. Barely an adult and already big on trying to command people around.

"I prefer not to smoke around little children, you know." He made a small motion one could interpret as a head shake. "Regardless, what brings the Lord Speaker's daughter into a bar like this? Me personally? I'd almost feel flattered if I cared."

[Kagena Kumo]

"Yes, actually." She paid no attention to the insult, having expected it. "Flattery is irrelevant. Just being seen at the table with you serves my purpose. For that, I thank you. Extinguishing the cigar when I sat down will show those here that I am someone you respect."

Her smile changed to one of victory. "And if you try to distance yourself from me, others will see me as someone you find as an adversary. From this, I can build my own contacts and resources."

[Emperor Tekagi]

Gen Nagao Bar, Imperial District

"Miss, I give you credit for trying to be cheeky.. but you overestimate yourself."
At a snap of his finger, roughly half of the bars visitors stood up from their seats, looking straight at Majima.
The Bartender rushed over, bowed deeply and suggested the swift removal of the girl from the establishment, an offer Majima casually declined.
"No need. Little Miss "Lord Speaker" here can stay and learn something useful."
It was up to her if she read the room correctly now, for her to realize that there might be more to the shady rumors that showed up about Majima three years ago. Who were these people reacting to just a movement of his fingers? Would she realize?

[Kagena Kumo]

Kagena looked at those who had stood, then turned to Majima and smiled. "I am flattered by the attention you have turned my way. I was merely expecting a quiet conversation, but you have made me so much more than I had thought. I thank you for offering me this recognition, but it is unnecessary." Her face then lost the smile, "Now that the flexing is out of the way, perhaps we can discuss the subject for which I am here?"

[Emperor Tekagi]

Gen Nagao Bar, Imperial District

"Then enlighten me, will you? Why would you come out here and seek me out?"
Noticing that Majima remained calm, the bar returned to its previous state.
Before the girl could explain her reasons, the bartender returned with a glass of whiskey for him.

[Kagena Kumo]

"I am not so naive that I am unaware of the way things work. Yes, I have gaps in my knowledge, and my understanding is incomplete, but I understand enough to know that the only way to know anything for certain is to go to the source. So, I have come. I wish to know if the rumors are true. Will you tell me?" She shrugged, answering her own question, "I do not know. But I wished to ask. What will I do with that information? It depends on the answer."